I spent the last seven years living away from Texas - that’s right, got back as fast as I could - and there were times, especially in smallish Missoula, Montana, that the best restaurant in town with Texas food was certainly our kitchen.

That wouldn’t have happened without Lisa Fain, a Dallas (born) and Houston (raised) native exiled to New York City who has run the Homesick Texan blog since September of 2005. “One of the most revered food blogs anywhere,” says TM contributor June Naylor.

Eat My Words asked Fain - a Texas Monthly reader since the age of 9 - a few questions in connection with our “Cook Like a Texan” package.

What’s the first thing you want to eat when you come home?
The first thing I eat when I return is always Tex-Mex. There’s a place by my Mom’s house in Houston that has the best enchiladas verdes, which are stuffed with carnitas and Monterey Jack, smothered in a tomatillo and poblano salsa and topped with avocado slices and sour cream. Chips and green sauce, flour tortiilas, refried beans and Mexican rice complete the meal.

And what would your last meal be?
My last meal would be the above, but I’d also like to add a chicken-fried steak served on the side with bowls of cream gravy, chili and queso, and a slice of <a href=”my Grandma’s chocolate pie for dessert.

Your personal favorite of the 10 dishes we featured in the magazine?
My favorite on the list is chili, though chicken-fried steak is a close contender. When I was growing up in Texas, we ate both at least once a week. But I’d say that chili takes the edge because while you can find decent chicken-fried steaks in restaurants, I find chili is always better when it’s homemade. Plus, I enjoy arguing with people about why Texas chili is superior to all others. And when I serve my chili to non-Texan friends in New York, they tend to agree.

Your “how the hell did we leave that out” dish?
There were a few dishes that could have been on the list, such as pinto beans, refried beans, pecan pie, peach cobbler, flour tortillas and queso.